Worshipers mark the start of the Season of Lent with ashes — a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the church.

As CBS2’s Magdalena Doris reported, ashes were smudged on the many faithful who attended mass in the Belmont section of the Bronx Wednesday. Molly Subranni, 96, still walks to church and is steady in her faith.

“I’m going to be 97 years old, so this is not easy for me I do it for penance I do it for god, god was good to me all my life.”

In Ridgewood, New Jersey some believers didn’t even have to leave the driver’s seat to receive ashes. The Episcopal Diocese is offering the symbol of faith in an express fashion at 30 locations throughout the state.

“In this world where everybody is so rushed it gave you a chance to stop in your busy day and reflect for a moment and it was convenient and helps you to remember what’s important today,” said Carol Mancuso after receiving her drive-thru ashes.